Microsoft Delivers New Innovations That Reinforce Its Dynamic Business Vision for CRM and ERP Customers and Partners

LONDON — Oct. 14, 2010 — Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: “MSFT”) opens Convergence 2010 Europe today in London with a keynote address from Kirill Tatarinov, corporate vice president, Microsoft Business Solutions. Throughout the three-city event that also includes Prague and The Hague, Oct. 14–21, Tatarinov will share how the company is delivering on its Dynamic Business vision by providing customer-driven innovations.

As part of his keynote address, Tatarinov announced forthcoming promotional pricing for Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online. He also discussed the expansion of Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail into new markets, the availability of an ERP two-tier connector and partner productivity enhancements for Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 R2.

“The competitive differentiator for Microsoft Dynamics is the simplicity, innovation and value our products deliver through a consistent user experience and elegant modern interoperable architecture,” Tatarinov said. “The innovations delivered through our Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM solutions either in the cloud or on-premises provide people with relevant business insight, enabling them to make more-informed decisions and become more productive.”

The new Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 release, which was made available in beta last month for both cloud-based and on-premises deployments worldwide, delivers the Power of Productivity through familiar, connected and intelligent experiences for users inside and outside any organization. This release also marks the expansion of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online into 40 markets and 41 languages worldwide.

Tatarinov today announced a new global launch promotion for Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online at a price of $34 (€31) per user, per month for the first 12 months of service; this pricing will be available to new customers from launch until June 30, 2011. This promotion complements a partner incentive that was announced in July 2010, where partners can receive 40 percent margin on the value of new subscriptions for Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online during the same time period. Formal launch events for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 and the upcoming global release of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online will begin in January 2011.

Further demonstrating the commitment to deliver Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions globally, Tatarinov announced 22 new markets where Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail will be available as of Feb. 1, 2011.

Microsoft also announced the general availability of the Microsoft Dynamics ERP two-tier connector that accelerates deployments between Microsoft Dynamics AX across subsidiaries, divisions or branch entities, and SAP Business Suite at the corporate headquarters. A two-tier ERP implementation model helps organizations consolidate disparate ERP solutions, provides standardization and rationalization of IT investments, and improves business agility and value by facilitating cost-effective business process integration. More information about a two-tier implementation model can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/presskits/dynamics/docs/TwoTierERP.xps.

For partners building solutions on Microsoft Dynamics NAV, the company introduced new development features for Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 R2 that will be added to the previously introduced update and will be made available in December 2010. These new features provide significant productivity improvements, giving partners the tools they need to develop, set up, configure and customize vertical solutions for customers. Those interested in learning more can visit http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/nav.

In addition, Microsoft announced that the currently available Environmental Sustainability Dashboard for Microsoft Dynamics AX has been certified by Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), verifying that the reporting of GRI content within the dashboard is compliant with the GRI standards. This recognition makes the Dashboard one of only four software applications and the only midmarket ERP solution with the GRI certification in the software applications category to date. More information about the Dashboard and its benefits to customers can be found in a new white paper at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/presskits/dynamics/docs/SustainabilityWP.xps.

Microsoft Dynamics is a line of simple to learn and use ERP and CRM solutions that work with your existing technology and scale as you grow to give you long-term value. By using software and online services that work the way people and organizations work, businesses are better able to make informed decisions and adapt to rapid change. Microsoft Dynamics helps your people be more productive and your investments in existing systems last longer, while enabling your business to derive the insights necessary to respond quickly and have a competitive edge in an ever-changing world of business.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

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